The one who saved us

Mama was our angel.

My grandmother, whom I call my Mama, adopted my little brother and me when we were both less than a month old. Mama was in her late 50s when she adopted us. Her retirement should have been beginning, yet she continued to work various jobs to support us. She would mow lawns in our neighborhood, clean people's homes and would babysit, all to make sure that my brother and I had clothes on our backs and food on the table. The two of us never went without.

I remember one winter she surprised me with a new coat that she bought for me with change she had saved up all year. I was so proud of that coat that I wore it until it was falling apart. At the time, I didn't realize how she went without to give to us. I look back and think about the thrift store dresses she wore and how she never went on vacations.

Mama is now in poor health living in a nursing home and has Alzheimer's, but every time I walk in her room, her face lights up. I know that she still knows who I am and that brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. That lady saved my brother and me. She is and always will be my angel.